Netanyahu scrambles to prop up coalition

After Jewish Home to leave coalition if Bennett not appointed defense minister, PM says Kahlon holds the key to prevent elections.

Tzvi Lev, 17/11/18 17:44

Kahlon and Netanyahu

Alex Kolomoisky/POOL

Prime Minister Netanyahu is frantically trying to prop up the coalition and avoid early elections after Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett was denied the defense minister portfolio.

On Friday, Netanyahu told Bennett that he will not appoint him as defense minister due to objections by Kulanu head and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon.

Netanyahu tweeted on Saturday night that he would be meeting with Kahlon on Sunday and added that the Kulanu faction leader held the key to the coalition's stability.

"If all of us do not topple the government - there is a government. A right-wing government must not be overthrown. All members of the Likud faction are interested in continuing to serve the country for another full year until the end of its term in November 2019," wrote Netanyahu.